Martial Arts for a (very small) 6yr old.....

purplepurple

My DD today mentioned that she quite fancies starting to do Karate (or similar).... I don't know where to start!
She's little for her age (6 yrs old but only 106cm tall)... will this affect her success at this sort of sport? She loves swimming, gymnastics, running etc etc but as neither myself or my OH have any experience with Martial Arts sports we don't know which one would be the best one

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I don't know my Karate from my Kyusho Jitsu!!:rotfl:

Spendless

My son (6) said he would like to start this and there is a class runs near our home but when I went to ask he would only take them from 8 but he told me of another class that would take from 5 upwards. I didn't bother as it was the other side of town to us.
I'd suggest just ringing one out of your local tel directory and if they don't take at your childs age they may know someone who will.

cheekymole

The classes near me will only take them from age 7

Peakma

my boys started ju -jutsu at the beginning of the year they are 6 and 7.Quite a few of thier school friends go ,they really enjoy it.My partner takes them and I haven't actually been to the class myself,but they come back full of enthusiasm,and enjoy practising together.Their are a few girls in the class.They also learn bits of japanese,I was amazed that they new 1-10 after a couple of lessons,and didn't take long to go from white belts to red.I quite like the code of honour they have to learn aswell
"I promise to honour and obey the meaning,
and spirit of martial arts. And only use my skills,
in defence of myself or others,
and never in aggression."
It is very good for the own self discipline,and self confidence.They really repect the sensei,and the code, so they don't just come home and beat each other up Jackie Chan style !
Where abouts in the country are you?

Quackers

Hi

I did Karate from the age of about 9 to 14 and then again from 16-19

Its fab

I was tiny as a child and it made no difference - maybe even better as your more nimble if you know what I mean. I had 2 different instructors over this time period and they were both small men.

It help you to gain confidence, respect, is obviously very good exercise and you learn to work well as a team. There are often lots of tournament/competition which are great fun and good social days out too.

I wish my girls were interested :rolleyes:

When I was 17 my Karate instructor used to do presentations for groups of people who were interested in doing Karate - he used to stand on my stomach whilst doing some moves to show how strong your stomach muscles become. Oh, how I wish they were still like that

BrokeBrunette

my children are 12 and 14 and they both do karate. They totally love going and our club takes children from about 5yrs upwards. I sometimes think it depends on the individual personality of the child, as it is a very disciplined sport. Some 5 year olds can cope with it and others not. They definitely won't be allowed to run riot during the lesson and they are expected to speak to the Sensai with respect and to treat others the same way at all times.

I think it's brilliant for kids and being small is definitely not a disadvantage. Being interested and doing your best is what counts. It's definitely not a sport for parents to push their children into, as they have to want to do it because of the discipline involved. Saying that, my children have a brilliant time there, and have good fun too. They love the tournaments, have won loads of trophies and its given them both lots more confidence in themselves. I can't recommend it enough for a child that is keen to learn karate. I think it's probably something they will either love or hate. My children adore going with a passion and it's a main topic of conversation in our house. They are continually trying to improve so they can grade to their next belt. My children are determined to be black belts by the time they are 18 and it gives them something to strive for.

Good luck

*Louise*

My son started Judo last year when he just turned 6.

He really enjoys it, and it's more about defence than fighting - I won't let him go to karate until he's a bit older.

They still have to work through various levels, and get a sense of achievement. (My lad was chuffed to bits when he got his red belt)

The best thing is to contact yor local leisure centre and get leaflet's about their kids classes.:D

purplepurple

Thank you all so much for your replies:D ..... I'm based in Bucks (Aylesbury) and have now found the details of a few local clubs - most of which offer a free first lesson... but still not sure what the differences between the disciplines are.... I shall investigate further! Thanks again:D

kaya

Potted martial arts guide
Ju-Jitsu is a very effective martial art, requires a good level of fitness and discipline, consists of grappling, striking,throws, joint locks etc. Excellent for building fitness as well
From ju-jitsu were born three martial arts, karate, aikido and judo. The karate practicioners found out they were better at striking-kicking etc so based karate on those principals-chuck norris is a karate practitioner
Aikido practitioners were more passive so based aikido on non agressive principals, there are no attacking/strikes in aikido, its all defensive and based on using the opponents weight against them, lots of clever joint locks and stuff, no great level of physical fitness required, just flexibility and balance, an excellent and effective martial art form but not good for young children due to the use of joiint manipulation techniques and the fact there joints are still forming, steven segal is a seventh dan(i think) aikido master
Judo practicioners were into the rufty tufty throwing and grappling on the floor stuff so based there martial art on that principle, lots of contact and throws, excellent for children, that would be my first choice if i had any kids

rchddap1

My partner use to do tae-kwon-do and loved it. When his daughter was little he took her along....she ended up running around causing chaos. They key is that the person / child wants to do it. If they do then they can learn a lot about discipline and they will be able to defend themselvs if necessary into the bargain.

cboo

We have quite a few children at our karate club and they love it, quite a few are now black belts and some of them are really small

They teach the children respect and discipline. They do sometimes run around but as soon as the class starts then they pay attention

Does anyone else's kids at school go to karate? Ask around that would be the best way to find out a good club.